Transfer Case Problem

[chrislyn]

Hello,

Model: 1998 Ford Explorer 4.0 SOHC (4x4)

Problem: I was traveling down a highway at approximately 65 mph when all the sudden I heard a clanking noise and felt the front end shaking. I pulled off to the side of the road and got the truck into a parking lot. I preceded to creep forward when I heard what sounded like and felt like the drive shaft clanking and binding. Felt as though the issue was stemming from the transfer case. I tried moving the 4 wheel drive selector from Auto->4W High->4W Low but the clanking and binding continued. When I put the vehicle in park, it felt as though the strain on the drive train relaxed, but the clanking continued and the binding persisted. The question is, has anyone experienced this or does anyone have an idea what could be causing this. Up until this point, there has never been a problem.

Things checked: Universal joints are all tight. Front driveshaft was disconnected to check and make sure the front differential was ok.

Thanks
chrislyn

 

[ghosttrain2]

Welcome to the forum! Have you also checked the CV joints on the front driveline,and left and right axles?
You might try using the search feature,surely someone else on here has experienced the same problem.
Good Luck!

 

[chrislyn]

Thank you Ghosttrain2 for replying. I have checked the CV joints,they are in good condition. Like I had said ,it's like the transfer case is binding. This happened while I was traveling in 2WD.After I stopped, I moved the selector switch from auto to low and high and it seemed to relax itself, but as soon as I would try to move again at a very slow crawl I would hear a clanging coming from under the drivers side.

 

[bluestream1]

You may want to check/change the TC fluid and look for metal pieces

 

[gijoecam]

Check the CV joint on the rear of the front driveshaft where it meets the transfer case flange. If it looks bad, you might go a step further and drop it out all together (the driveshaft, that is) and see if the problem persists. If so, it may very well be the t-case itself has failed....

 

[chrislyn]

gijoecam: To answer what you had posed, the CV joint on the rear of the front driveshaft looks good.

I now have it on jack stands,forward drive shaft out and looks good. I have spun the front wheels by hand and there is no noise or binding going on. I removed the shift motor and was able to turn the shift shaft but didn't notice anything wrong. I dropped the transfer case oil and didn't find anything wrong. Does anyone have any other ideas as to what it could be.

 

[fordkid417]

i have the same problem. i also have a 98 4x4. XLT. i was told the transfer case is .

it would clank especially when turning sharply, or into a parking space. i removed the front drive shaft, and it has helped alot. the transfer case freewheels so it still makes a little noise, but not to the point where its embarassing loud